Finding the right credit card can feel confusing when you are just starting. Many cards come with high annual charges or complicated reward systems that beginners often find hard to track. The good news is that several banks in India offer lifetime-free or zero annual fee credit cards that are simple, rewarding, and easy to maintain. These cards are perfect if you want to build your credit history, enjoy small perks, and avoid paying yearly charges. In this post, you’ll discover the best no annual fee credit card in India for beginners. Each option is explained in plain language, along with a simple table highlighting features, benefits, and rewards.
1) Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card
A very simple card for people who shop on Amazon. There is no joining fee and no annual fee. Cashback is credited to the Amazon Pay balance. It is ideal for beginners who shop online often and want hassle-free rewards.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual / Joining fee | Nil — no joining or annual fee |
| Best for | Regular Amazon shoppers and occasional travel bookings via Amazon Pay |
| Rewards | 5% back for Prime members on Amazon Pay purchases; lower rate of 3% for non-Prime members on select categories |
| Practical tip | 5% back for Prime members on Amazon Pay purchases; lower rates for non-Prime members on select categories |
Quick take: Low-fuss card. Great for beginners who want instant, usable rewards.
Read more: Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card Review 2025: Benefits, Fees and Who Should Get It
2) IDFC FIRST Millennia Credit Card
A beginner-friendly card with useful online and lifestyle perks. IDFC FIRST frequently offers lifetime-free variants. It gives good merchant offers, movie discounts, and some lounge/rail benefits. It is a solid all-around choice for a starter credit card.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual / Joining fee | Lifetime free on the Millennia variant |
| Best for | People who want a steady set of perks without paying yearly fees |
| Rewards | Cashback and reward points on online spends; occasional 25% off on movies and merchant offers |
| Practical tip | Check the exact Millennia variant offered to you. Benefits can vary slightly |
Quick take: Reliable free card with useful lifestyle discounts. Good for first-time users.
3) Axis Bank Fibe Credit Card
Axis Fibe is a lifetime-free product positioned for everyday use. No joining or renewal fee is advertised for the Fibe card. It often has online and food discounts, and is easy to get via Axis channels or the Fibe app.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual / Joining fee | Nil — lifetime free |
| Best for | Those who want steady merchant discounts and no annual fee |
| Rewards | Regular partner discounts (flights, hotels, food) and merchant offers |
| Practical tip | Offers can be for a limited time. Check the exact T&Cs when applying |
Quick take: A fuss-free lifetime-free option. Easy to manage for a beginner.
4) Kotak 811 #DreamDifferent Credit Card
Kotak’s 811 card is aimed at digitally active users. Many Kotak 811 variants are offered as lifetime free. It has rewards for online spends and simple milestone benefits that are easy to use. It is a practical first card for people who already use Kotak’s 811 banking ecosystem.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual / Joining fee | Lifetime free for most 811 variants (check current offer) |
| Best for | App-friendly users who like milestone rewards and easy digital banking |
| Rewards | Reward points on spends; welcome and milestone rewards like bonus points or movie vouchers |
| Practical tip | Kotak sometimes updates fee/offer structure. Always check the bank’s website before applying |
Quick take: Good beginner card for digital banking users. Confirm current fee terms before applying.
5) SBI Card Unnati
SBI Unnati is a secured credit card (often backed by a fixed deposit). It is free for the first four years and aimed at people building credit or those with lower eligibility. It’s simple to use and a safe way to start with a credit card.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual / Joining fee | Nil for the first 4 years; renewal fee applies from year 5 |
| Best for | The card is FD-backed. That makes approval easier, but ties up some funds |
| Rewards | 1 reward point per ₹100 on spends; other small milestone benefits |
| Practical tip | The card is FD-backed. That makes approval easier but ties up some funds |
Quick take: An excellent starter card for credit building. The FD-backed model helps people with limited credit history.
Read more: SBI Unnati Credit Card Review: Benefits, Fees and Who Should Get It
Final Notes for Beginners
- Check the fine print: Always confirm the latest fee and reward structure on the bank’s website before applying.
- Know the difference: “Lifetime free” means no annual fee ever. Some cards are free only for the first few years.
- Build credit safely: Start with low or no-fee cards, spend within limits, and pay bills on time to build a healthy CIBIL score.
